I have a hard time watching the Little League World Series.
It’s probably jealousy, but I’d like to call it something else, maybe ‘I don’t like watching little kids play a game that is already boring.’
But it’s most likely the jealousy thing.
Baseball was a large part of my childhood.
I even played on a couple of all-star teams back in Mesa and had a good time with it.
But I guess the feeling isn’t the same anymore.
It’s cute; I’ll give it that. I would even say that it’s heartwarming to see these kids celebrate, but entertaining?
Eh, I would have to disagree.
Honestly, looking back, I don’t know how my parents put up with it for so many years.
At age ten, I spent the entire season either walking or striking out. It’s amazing my dad never showed up with a bag on his head.
Maybe I don’t enjoy it because my all-star teams never won anything.
Those cocky Chandler and Gilbert schools always made us look like fools and, of course, they got all the glory.
Maybe it’s because my baseball talents were very limited.
I mean my fastball never reached 60 mph and my only home runs were inside the park (and mostly due to errors).
Then I see these 12-year-old kids on ESPN throwing 65 and acting like they’re tough.
Who do they think they are?
Innocent little children?
Give it two years big guy and you’re going to be covered in acne and repelling women with every braces-flashing smile.
(Whoa, sorry, just had a bad flashback).
Alright, fine. These kids are talented.
And you know what? There are times the LLWS is very entertaining.
There is passion, motivation and storylines—everything a sports fan can ask for.
I’m just not one of those sports fans.
I even get irritated during introductions.
All the kids have the same favorite players and most of them want to grow up to play baseball.
Derek Jeter is cool and all but come on guys, let’s get creative here.
I too was a 12-year-old that wanted to be a professional athlete.
Playing basketball for the Phoenix Suns was my dream.
Then one day I looked in the mirror and my body said, “Um Nathan, we aren’t going to do this growing thing anymore. Oh, and don’t expect to be able to jump either.”
It was 5-foot-9-inches from then on out.
But no matter how bitter I am, the LLWS should be celebrated.
These kids need to enjoy every second of these games.
This is life’s one moment of fame for most of them, and they should remember every moment, good or bad.
Have dog piles, eat junk food in the hotel and walk up to the plate with a smile on your face.
I wish big leaguers would do that more often.
Plus, it’s summer, and most of them get to miss school. How cool is that?
Reach the reporter at nathan.meacham@asu.edu.
